Notices

The Garden Route Film Office is calling your you to submit pictures of your Empty Streets: Albertinia, Carlitzdorp, Plettenberg Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Ladysmith, Knysna, MosselBay, any town in the Greater Garden Route  – roads, farms, landscapes.

Please include the name of your Town, Street Name and/or the description of the picture. Your name if you wish to be credited. Pictures submitted must be royalty free for use by the Garden Route Film Office in our drive to increase filming in the area and promotion of the Greater Garden Route Region.

Email your pictures to rene@gardenroutefilmoffice.com

To help businesses find and apply for the financial support that is available to them, the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town and Wesgro have today launched a fund location tool for businesses in the Western Cape.

The online tool asks the user five easy questions, ranks the answers against pre-determined criteria as stipulated by the various relief measures, and provides a list of relief measures the business may be applicable for.

The process takes under a minute >> www.supportbusiness.co.za/covid-19-support-finder

Any businesses in the Western Cape who need support and advice can contact the Covid-19 Content Centre at supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za.

For more info visit www.supportbusiness.co.za

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), would like to commend the industry for the good quality of applications received in the past fiscal and invite applicants to submit for Festival Hosting and Marketing and Distribution.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), is pleased to announce that the call for cycle 2 funding applications is now open for the following funding categories:

• Marketing and Distribution
• Festival Hosting (for festivals taking place in July – November 2020)

Opening date for submissions:    26 March 2020

Closing date for submissions:      17 April 2020

Individuals, companies and organisations may submit funding applications to the NFVF for any of the above funding categories. Specific conditions are applicable for each funding category, and it is important for applicants to take careful note of these conditions before submitting an application.

Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/

Please take note of the following disclaimers:

1. Tier yourself accordingly
2. Carefully read the definitions of the sub categories before selecting
3. It is advisable that the main applicant applies instead of using a 3^rd party to apply on their behalf
4. Please note that during the national lockdown it is not mandatory for the supporting documents such as: BBBEE, ID, Company Registration Documents, Tax Clearance Certificate etc. to be no older than 3 months. However, you have a 2-week window after the lockdown is lifted to update all paperwork.

Tier breakdown:

Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.

Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience but who have developed and produced 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film development and production.

Tier 3: New entrants into the industry, particularly recent film school graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. This intervention is geared towards first time filmmakers having a “calling card” in the film industry. This tier is only eligible for short film funding.

Please note that no late applications will be accepted.

For any queries regarding applications please contact:

Thandekile Hlatshwayo

Applications Officer

Email: thandekiles@nfvf.co.za

Telephone: 011 484 0880

I hope you are keeping well as we move towards the second week of lockdown.

Please note that as we have received an extensive number of inquiries from businesses that can be broadly categorised as operating within the ‘Tourism/Hospitality’ sectors, we have developed an initial guiding response on support structures and measures announced to-date. It is our understanding that a number of businesses on this mail may have already applied for support via such interventions, but we thought it would be useful to notify you nonetheless.

Please note that the information below has been verified to the extent that it is possible, however Wesgro recommends directly contacting entities managing funds and interventions for guidance and to ensure the correct application of criteria.

IDC Interventions:

Background to IDC led interventions can be accessed here (although their application to the tourism/hospitality industries, in our interpretation, is limited): https://www.idc.co.za/2020/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/

Tourism Relief Fund for SMMEs:

Kindly find attached an overview of the Tourism Support Fund provided to Wesgro by the Department of Tourism.

The Tourism Relief Fund provides once-off capped grant assistance to Small Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism value chain to ensure their sustainability during and post the implementation of government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa. 

Capped at R 50 000 per entity, grant funding can be utilised to subsidize expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure costs items.

Criteria to qualify for the tourism relief fund:

https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/faq/faq/what-is-the-criteria-to-qualify-for-the-tourism-relief-fund/

Department of Small Business Support to SMMEs: (please ignore this section if your business does not qualify as an SMME)

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has introduced relief mechanisms for small and medium enterprises (SMME’s) impacted negatively, both directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Specifically, the DSBD has published guidelines for application for three intervention measures, namely:
1.   Debt Relief Finance Scheme;
2.   Business Growth/Resilience Facility; and
3.   The sefa-Debt Restructuring Facility.

The fund is currently budgeted at R500 million, but the expectation is that this fund could possibly be increased.

The Debt Relief Finance Scheme (qualifying criteria attached) is aimed at providing relief on existing debts and repayments, to assist SMMEs during the period of the COVID-19 State of Disaster. In essence, the debt relief facility is a soft loan that will provide funding for existing businesses in distress due to the Coronavirus. The relief will be for a period of 6 months, effective 01 April 2020. For SMMEs to be eligible for assistance under the Debt Relief Fund, the applicant must demonstrate direct link of the impact or potential impact of COVID-19 on the business operations.

The Business Growth/ Resilience Facility (qualifying criteria attached is specifically created to enable continued participation of SMMEs in supply value-chains, in particular those who manufacture (locally) or supply various products that are in demand, emanating from the current shortages due to COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the National Treasury Instruction Note No. 8 of 2019/2020. This facility will offer working capital, stock, bridging finance, order finance and equipment finance and the amount required will be based on the funding needs of the business.

The Sefa-Debt Restructuring Facility is geared towards sefa-funded SMMEs that are negatively affected by the pandemic. A payment moratorium/ holiday will be given to the qualifying SMMEs for a period of a maximum of 6 months, in efforts to reduce the installment burden of loan obligations on the affected SMMEs. These SMMEs will be required to illustrate the direct linkage of their business distress to the pandemic.

The online application form will be available from Thursday, 02 April 2020. It is important to note that only SMMEs that are registered on the database will be considered. Please go to https://smmesa.gov.za/ to register your business.

Guidelines for Application: Debt Relief Finance Scheme:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/Guidelines%20for%20Debt%20Relief%20Application.pdf
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/SMME%20Debt%20Relief%20Scheme.pdf
SMMEs are encouraged to make use of the alternative email at info@dsbd.gov.za or call the Hotline number 0860 663 7867.

Guidelines for Application: Business Growth/ Resilience Facility:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/Guidelines%20for%20Business%20Growth%20Resilience%20Facility%20Application%20%2028%20March.._.pdf

Private sector interventions:

Please be advised that Wesgro is currently unpacking private-sector led interventions as announced by the Rupert; Oppenheimer and Motsepe families, as well Naspers. We will revert as soon as clear information is available. In the interim, please note the following links which provide some initial guidance:

• Rupert Fund (funding guidelines expected to be provided via Business Partners this week): https://www.cnbcafrica.com/coronavirus/2020/03/29/covid-19-business-partners-to-administer-rupert-familys-r1bn-fund-for-small-businesses/

• Oppenheimer Fund: https://ventureburn.com/2020/03/nedbank-small-businesses-oppenheimers-saft-fund/

• Motsepe Fund: http://motsepefoundation.org/motsepe-family-and-associated-companies-pledge-r1-billion-for-dealing-with-coronavirus-pandemic-and-related-challenges/

• Naspers Fund (does not seem to be focused on business support, rather directly supporting the COVID-19 prevention effort): https://www.naspers.com/home/news/naspers-commits-zar-1,5-billion-to-south-africa%e2%80%99s

Banking sector interventions:

All banks have now made announcements relating to support measures being undertaken to assist businesses. Through conversations held with regional Heads of banking institutions, Wesgro continues to recommend that you contact your bank directly to understand what package the bank is able to put together to support your business.

The Wesgro team will shortly be uploading a series of FAQs to the www.supportbusiness.co.za website to guide on banking sector interventions.

Supporting your Employees:

A number of entities have written to us on guidance relating to UIF and TERS. Our team continues to source information relating to how best to access the structures announced. On 28 March the Department of Employment and Labour issued the following update: http://www.labour.gov.za/update-on-employment-and-labour-issues-arising-from-the-lockdowns

A TERS guidance document has also been attached herein “COVID19TERS EasyAid”.

Regarding interventions made by National Treasury, please peruse the following guiding note which relates to: (http://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2020/20200329%20Explanatory%20Notes%20on%20COVID%2019%20Tax%20measures%20-%2029%20March%202020.pdf)

• Expansion of the Employment Tax Incentive age eligibility criteria and amount claimable
• Deferral of the Payment of employees’ tax liability for tax compliant small to medium sized businesses
• Deferral of the payment of provisional tax liability for tax compliant small to medium sized businesses

As you will note from the ‘Draft’ structure, the legislation is not yet promulgated, but is expected to be promulgated shortly.

Ongoing support:

We fully understand that the above overview may not provide the exact answers to questions you have, and we will continue to strive to find the answers. Wesgro continues to update the COVID-19 webpage – www.supportbusiness.co.za – with information on key interventions being undertaken by government and private sector. The website is designed to be easily searchable by keyword to guide you towards specific areas where you may require support.

Please also feel free to write to supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za with specific questions you have.

Project Development Programme 2020
in partnership with
Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
25 – 28 February 2020, Cape Town

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Prospective and hopeful filmmakers-in-the-making are encouraged to submit a ONE page Proposal for a short documentary film (20 minutes maximum length). Successful candidates will be tutored in the art of documentary scriptwriting, preparing a budget and writing funding proposals. All submission details and requirements are included in this document.

In order to identify and develop new entrants in the documentary industry, and with a key objective of transformation, Encounters in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, will host a Project Development Programme. The aim of the programme is to inject the filmmaking skills and knowledge necessary for increasing opportunities, business growth and ultimately access to global markets.

The initial Workshop, led by filmmaker Riaan Hendricks, will accommodate up to six participants to develop their short documentary projects in preparation for securing development funding and to advance their careers. A second mentorship programme is designed to support and guide beneficiaries in finalising their project proposal (script, budget and funding proposal). Participants must attend Encounters Industry Programmes during the Festival taking place from 4-14 June 2020.
Participants

The programme is aimed at documentary filmmakers at the beginning of their filmmaking careers and whose projects show great potential. Two team members per project may participate. Only residents of the Western Cape may apply.
Dates

The Workshop will take place from Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 February 2020 (4 days).
Post-workshop participant-led group sessions are encouraged – for mutual support and the fostering of important professional relationships for the future.

In the period March – May, leading up to the Encounters Festival, participants will be assigned Mentors for advice and guidance as they finish their scripts and develop budgets and funding proposals. These will be presented during Encounters.
Applicants must be available for the full duration of the programmes offered. Please be mindful that absenteeism will result in exclusion from the course.

Workshop Leader
Leading the 4-day Workshop is filmmaker, Riaan Hendricks.

Biography
Hendricks is one of South Africa’s multi award winning, prolific independent film directors. The constant struggle of engaging audiences with the emotional landscapes of his characters and story – are expressed in the rich tapestry of moments engrosses his work. Riaan’s film Ramothopo the Centinarian won best feature doc award at AfriFF 2018.
Guest Tutors will be invited to input on budgeting, proposal writing, compliance, etc.…

Selection
The selection committee will comprise of appointed representatives from the Industry and Encounters.
Applicants will be notified by email at least a week before the workshop.

The course includes:
• course materials
• meals (teas, coffees and lunch)
• mentorship programme
• invites to Encounters industry programmes and functions
• transport allowance (if necessary)

Submitting Applications
Application Deadline: Wednesday 12 February, 5pm
Submit to: pa@encounters.co.za
Applicants must submit:
• 1-page synopsis
• 1-page biography for each of the two key project team members, e.g. Producer (s), Director
• Complete Contact details
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further enquiries please contact Nazeer Ahmed (021) 418 3310